My brother, Josiah, did me this favor of reviewing Scott Stapp’s new album. Josiah is a huge fan of Creed and Scott Stapp, unrelentingly so, and when I mentioned that Napalm Records had sent me the promo, he offered to review it. I thought it might be fun to have it on the site.
______________
Review by Josiah Spencer
Let’s go back to ‘99. I was nine-years-old. Hair was spiked, jeans were baggy, and Creed was the biggest band in the world. There was literally no one on the face of this planet cooler than Scott Stapp.
The world was shocked, then, when Creed announced their disbandment in 2004. How could they throw it all away at the peak of their success? Yet again, one of the greatest musical partnerships in the history of recorded music was ruined by a greedy label, substance abuse, and personal demons. My teenage self was crushed, yet you can imagine how happy I was when they reunited in ‘09 and I was able to see them live in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
For me, Creed was always about Scott Stapp. I know it’s cool to like Creed again because some baseball team played their songs during playoff games, but I never stopped listening to Creed or Scott Stapp. I happen to own every album he has ever made. His first solo album proved that, despite the magic of his partnership with Tremonti (rivaling the likes of Lennon/McCartney), he was able to stand on his own as a legitimate rock artist. His second album had some great tracks, but felt like the label was trying to keep him radio relevant. His third album, which was fueled by his controversial stint with Art of Anarchy (that album was actually really good, too), was a return to form and rediscovery of his role as one of the leading voices of hard rock.
Scott’s latest effort displays his range, both vocally and artistically. Higher Power features a handful of the hard rock/metal “bangers” that we would expect. For those who fear that Scott’s voice may have lost its grit and power, tracks like “Deadman’s Trigger,” “When Love is Not Enough,” and “Quicksand” will quickly prove otherwise. These harder offerings are highlighted by “What I Deserve” and the title track, “Higher Power.” In a genre replete with sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll, Scott reminds us that music has the ability to connect us to something transcendent.
Contrasting these are a number of rock ballads that show Scott’s softer, though no less passionate, side. “You’re Not Alone,” “Dancing in the Rain,” and “Weight of the World” display the depth of both his voice and soul. One is reminded of the soaring rock ballads from the 80’s and 90’s from bands like Metallica and Gun N’ Roses. In a day dominated by inane hip-hop and dance pop songs, these tracks will transport you to a bygone era when you could turn on the radio and sing along to songs made by real musicians playing real instruments.
Perhaps the best track on the album (certainly my favorite) is “If These Walls Could Talk,” an acoustic track featuring fellow rocker Dorothy. This song somehow manages to be simultaneously tender and angst-ridden. It’s reminiscent of “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, but with more impressive vocals. Scott and Dorothy’s voices complement each other incredibly well. I hope they consider working together again in the future.
Overall, Higher Power is a well-rounded rock album, complete with metal riffs, tasteful guitar solos, and tender moments. It strikes well the delicate balance between grit and heart. Higher Power is an excellent continuation of Scott Stapp’s Napalm era and may be his best solo album to date. 10/10
It’s 2024 and I am 34. My jeans are tighter and my hair is prematurely graying, but Scott Stapp is still producing great rock music, and he’s still my personal rock idol.
______________
Find Scott Stapp online:
______________
The PROG Mind 